By almost any standards, "Mercury" stands as a towering artistic achievement that few bands have accomplished. Recorded during a time of high tension and confusion within the band, they were still able to create a work of fierce beauty that utilized band talents in greater synthesis than any of their previous works. Andrew Prickett's guitars took a decidedly ambient turn, Eric Campuzano's bass became more eloquent, and the vocals and percussion both took on deeper subtleties than on their previous album. This band was something of an oddity within the Christian alternative scene because of their willingness to explore different worldviews and perspectives, but it resulted in moments that are challenging regardless of a listener's perspective. The descent into death described by "Creole" is not in any way soothing, but rather a frightening and chaotic soundscape; such exploration is scarce within the Christian alt-rock mainstream. Moreover, their usage of vocal drones to create suspended ambience in the opener, "Humb," was years ahead of its time. It is regretful that the band wasn't able to stay together longer, but their work resonates not simply as good religious music, but exceptional and brave music by any standard.